About

b. 1986, HK.

Every client has their own unique story. We explore, craft and cultivate these stories with honesty, originality, and a little flair.

DESIGN TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

William Shakespeare once wrote that the object of art is to give life a shape. We like to think that the object of design is to give business a shape. Whether it’s a fresh new identity program, a striking piece of corporate collateral, show-stopping packaging graphics, or a head-turning brand revitalization effort, the objective is the same: bring a brand’s unique story to life in a way that captivates audiences, moves people to affection, and helps you stay relevant. Below are the categories we contribute to on a regular basis, and the capabilities we offer to help our clients stand up, stand apart, and get noticed.

Categories

• Institutions and Non-Profits

• Business and Professional Services

• Advocacy Groups

• Fashion and Apparel

• Food and Beverage

• Financial Services

• Pharmaceutical and Healthcare

• Technology and Communications

• Retail and Consumer Goods

Capabilities

• Brand Identity

• Annual Reports

• Information Design

• Company and Product Literature

• Corporate Collateral

• Website Design

• Product and Company Promotions

• Interior/Exterior Signs

• Packaging Design

PROCESS

Rarely is the creative process a tidy sequence of steps moving you from point A to point B on a straight, predictable path. This may be great for airline travel, but it’s not so great for stirring up those creative juices. And this is a good thing because the last thing you want is a process that is formulaic, and results that are obvious and unoriginal. Instead, our process follows a more fluid structure that has been time-tested, and strengthened by our emphasis on collaboration.

1. PLAN + PREPARE

This is where we set ourselves up for success. Words like research, investigate, learn, and educate all describe the process that allows us to build a solid foundation on which to explore and execute ideas. When we can identify the client's needs and challenges, and clarify expectations, we are able to define with confidence the creative parameters that will guide design exploration. When we answer the question "What does success look like?" we should have a clear picture of what we are hoping to achieve with our efforts, and how best to get there before we start to design.

2. IMAGINE + IDENTIFY

Collaboration lies at the heart of step two and plays an important role in the early stages of design development. Don't worry, we aren't going to ask you to grab a pencil and sketchpad, but we do expect a strong commitment as we imagine the possibilities and identify design directions that show the most promise. When key decision-makers are active participants, and we are able to leverage their knowledge and expertise, a shared vision emerges revealing not only what we want to accomplish, but how best to get there. We also avoid surprises, which can kill the creative process dead in its tracks. A more collaborative process builds trust, allows ideas to incubate and develop naturally, and solutions to take shape organically. Dialogue is open, and communication is free-flowing and respectful.

3. ITERATE + IMPLEMENT

Nothing is perfect, at least not initially. We accept this reality knowing that in order to get it right, an idea requires input, and even sometimes additional information and investigation. Quality design, like good parenting, is best achieved with nudges, not shoves. Make one version. Tweak and fine-tune as needed, and then make another. As each iteration evolves and improves, we move from a place of exploration and experimentation—poking, prodding, and learning—to full-on implementation and execution, eventually arriving at a finished product that inspires, educates, and excites. Regardless of whether we are creating something big, bold, and beautiful, or small, simple, and subtle, each project starts with a solid understanding of the context, and finishes with high attention to detail.

PEOPLE

Located in Seattle, Niedermeier Design is an independent creative studio founded in 2000 by Kurt Niedermeier. His award-winning work spans a range of clients covering a variety of industries and service categories, from local mom-n-pops to international non-profits, and most everything in between. Regardless of whether you are a novice brand looking to make a strong first impression, a challenger brand hoping to rise above the competition, or a non-profit seeking better ways to deliver on mission, he understands the critical role design plays in helping you get noticed, and the ongoing effort it takes to stay relevant. Depending on the type and nature of the assignment, his team of top-notch collaborators—creative thinkers, e-strategists, and production gurus—are ready to offer their input, insights and expertise at any point along the way to deliver world-class digital and design solutions.

CLIENTS

Whether it’s a global leader in philanthropy, a tech start-up, or a local small business, the courage to challenge cultural expectations is what brings excitement to the process, and the freedom to differentiate. We feel fortunate to have worked with some incredible people over the years, and been able to apply this philosophy to an array of brands.

“Countless times I have gone to Niedermeier Design with an idea—sometimes a rather fuzzy one—and they always seem to read my mind! Every project they have helped ORS Impact execute has been a success. I would recommend them to anyone who wants sharp visuals that work to capture complex ideas, simply.”

“Some designers wow you with their creativity and others with their practicality. Kurt wows you on both fronts which is what makes him great to work with. He is structured yet flexible; creative yet pragmatic, and this elevates projects to their highest level. I would welcome the opportunity to work with him again.”

“I have worked with Kurt and his team for over a decade developing the necessary assets to successfully promote several of our key product offerings. He has consistently answered the call and, after each engagement, we are left feeling tremendously confident knowing the right tools are in place to help grow our business.”